Drug & Alcohol Testing Calendar
14 CFR Part 120 · 49 CFR Part 40 — minimum annual tests and quarterly distribution for your pool. Free, nothing stored.
- Tests must be conducted on a truly random basis — each employee must have an equal chance of being selected each time. A quarterly schedule is a minimum; tests must be spread throughout the year.
- Use a DOT-approved MRO (Medical Review Officer) for drug test results.
- Maintain testing records for a minimum of 5 years (drugs) and 2 years (alcohol).
- Annual management information system (MIS) report required if ≥50 safety-sensitive employees.
Frequently asked
What is the current FAA random drug testing rate for Part 135 operators?
The FAA sets random testing rates annually. For 2024–2025, the random drug testing rate is 25% of safety-sensitive employees and the random alcohol testing rate is 10%. These rates can change each year — always verify the current rate in the annual DOT notice published in the Federal Register.
Who counts as a safety-sensitive employee under Part 135?
Safety-sensitive functions under 14 CFR Part 120 include: flight crew members, flight attendants, flight instructors, aircraft dispatchers, aircraft maintenance and preventive maintenance personnel, ground security coordinators, and aviation screeners. Not all employees at an air carrier are safety-sensitive — only those who perform these specific functions.
Can we use a consortium instead of running our own testing program?
Yes. Many small Part 135 operators use a C/TPA (Consortium/Third-Party Administrator) to manage their drug and alcohol testing program. The consortium pools multiple operators' employees into a single random selection pool. This is common for operators with small fleets where administering an in-house program would be impractical. The C/TPA must be DOT-compliant.
How do we ensure tests are truly random?
The FAA and DOT require that selection be made using a scientifically valid method — typically a random number table or a computer-based random number generator — so every covered employee has an equal chance of selection each time. Quarterly quotas based on this calculator are a minimum compliance floor; spreading tests throughout the year and avoiding predictable patterns is required. Employees must not be able to predict when testing will occur.
Clearspar keeps your compliance calendar alongside your dispatch board
Training dates, check dates, and testing windows all tracked in one place — so nothing slips through when things get busy. See it on your fleet.